Tiskilwa welcomes new head librarian

TISKILWA — The Tiskilwa Public Library has a new librarian to lead its daily duties.

Library trustees have selected Lisa Bettner to serve library patrons with all their reading needs. Bettner will be taking over full-time duties on Monday.

Bettner is a resident of rural Princeton and has previous experience working with the Princeton School District throughout the past 14 years.

She comes at a significant time for the library, as it is currently under construction with the renovation and expansion project, which is expected to be completed in Spring 2014. The project is begin funded, in part, by a $504,241.40 grant awarded by the Illinois State Library.

Although, the construction will continue throughout the winter, Bettner shows no signs of being overwhelmed, but rather has embraced the changes by quickly learning the ropes of the building’s responsibilities and the different stages of the project construction.

Tiskilwa Library Board President Rich Foss said Bettner will bring energy and enthusiasm to the position.

“We are looking forward to her creativity as we move into our newly-expanded library in a few months,” he said.

Bettner explained when she became aware of the available position, she saw it as a new opportunity and career pathway in which she was eager to venture.

“I’m definitely looking forward to the change,” she said, adding a different pace will be a positive influence in her current life.

Bettner admits in the last 25 years has she really dove into the joys of reading. It wasn’t until her two daughters were born that she began to appreciate the knowledge and adventure a book could give.

“I’m now very excited to expand my knowledge of what patrons want to read and see what everyone else is interested in reading,” she said.

Bettner has already started thinking of new programming to bring into the library.

“I’m very excited about doing something different, and I’m hoping kids of all ages will really utilize the library and learn to have a love for reading,” she said.

Bettner anticipates working with programming that will attract the interests of both younger and older generations.

“I’m looking forward to talking with other librarians from other small libraries to really see what their programming is like,” she said. “I’d also love for the community to come in and give me input on what they want to see in here.”